Medical Billing Salary

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay in Chapel Hill, NC: $16.48 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical billing and coding specialist working in Chapel Hill, NC runs $16.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $34,283 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Chapel Hill's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $17.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $20,572 per year.

$34,283
Median Annual Salary
$16.48/hr
Hourly Rate
$24,017
Entry Level (P10)
$53,139
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Rate in Chapel Hill, NC — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Chapel Hill, NC medical billing and coding specialist hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

Medical billing and coding specialists in Chapel Hill, NC, earn a median hourly pay of $16.48, surpassing the national median hourly rate of $14.59. This competitive rate reflects the demand for skilled professionals in this evolving healthcare sector. Many specialists in this field work in various settings, including remote home offices—an arrangement that has become increasingly popular post-2020. For those engaged in part-time roles or per-diem work, such as in hospital HIM departments or physician group coding cubicles, the flexibility of a part-time schedule (typically three days a week) can lead to an attractive work-life balance. Hourly earnings range from approximately $11.54 for entry-level positions to about $25.55 for top earners, indicating a diverse earning potential based on experience and job setting.

About the Chapel Hill Market

Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$11.54$92.33
Lower Range (P25)$13.61$108.87
Median (P50)$16.48$131.87
Upper Range (P75)$20.77$166.17
Top Earners (P90)$25.55$204.39

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chapel Hill

Based on $16.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a medical billing and coding specialist in Chapel Hill earning $16.48/hr would make approximately $19,781 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $34,286 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$19,781Reduced (32 hr/wk)$26,374Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$34,286

At $16.48/hr, a medical billing and coding specialist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chapel Hill, NC can expect to earn approximately $34,286 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $19,781. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Chapel Hill.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$131.87
per 8hr shift
$659.35
per week
$2,857
per month
$34,286
per year

Schedule Comparison in Chapel Hill

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$659.35$2,857$34,286
Part-Time (24 hrs)$395.61$1,714$20,572
Per Diem (16 hrs)$263.74$1,143$13,714

Compare MBS Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist (Chapel Hill)$16.48
Medical Assistant (National Avg)$20.77
Medical Secretary (National Avg)$20.19
Medical Lab Technician (National Avg)$28.18
Billing and Posting Clerk (National Avg)$21.86
Horizontal bar chart comparing medical billing and coding specialist median salary in Chapel Hill ($34,283) with North Carolina average ($28,101) and the US national median ($30,349).Chapel Hill$34,283North Carolina Avg$28,101+22.00%US National$30,349+12.96%

Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Chapel Hill, NC earn a median of $34,283 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.96% higher than the national median of $30,349 and 22.00% above the North Carolina state average of $28,101.

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $16.48/hr = $20,572/year (purchasing power: $21,978).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $34,286/year (purchasing power: $36,631).

CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2021 BLS Actual

$14.70/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$16.11/hr

2026 Current Est.

$16.48/hr

2021–2027 Growth

+14.7%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Chapel Hill (20212027)

2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for medical billing and coding specialists in Chapel Hill. Baseline $14.70/hr in 2025, projected to $16.87/hr by 2027.$14$16$18$20$2220212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$14.70$14.86$15.37$20.66$16.11$16.48$16.87
YearHourly RateStatus
2021$14.70/hrActual
2022$14.86/hrActual
2023$15.37/hrActual
2024$20.66/hrActual
2025$16.11/hrActual
2026(current)$16.48/hrEstimated
2027$16.87/hrProjected

Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical billing and coding specialists in Chapel Hill grew 9.6% from $14.70/hr (2021) to $16.11/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $16.87/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem medical billing and coding specialists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.

Note: Historical values (20212025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chapel Hill metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.32% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.

Working as an Hourly Medical Billing and Coding Specialist in Chapel Hill

When analyzing potential earnings for those who choose to work part-time or as per-diem medical billing and coding specialists in Chapel Hill, the financial landscape varies significantly. A medical coder working three days a week for 24 hours could expect to take home an annual income that reflects a balance between part-time flexibility and consistent pay. Conversely, per-diem medical coders in Chapel Hill typically bill at rates considerably higher than the median, with figures ranging from $25 to $42 per hour. For specialized roles, such as CCS inpatient coders and CRC risk adjustment specialists, rates can jump to between $35 and $65 per hour. Hourly rates fluctuate depending on the employer type—physician group practices, third-party coding companies, and hospitals all possess different pay scales—creating a unique environment where some specialists may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for the security of benefits. For those interested in negotiating pay, it’s advisable to research local rates and be prepared to demonstrate expertise or specialized credentials related to the current demand trends in coding and billing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for medical billing and coding specialists in Chapel Hill in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for medical billing and coding specialists in Chapel Hill is $16.48/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.32% annual growth). Rates range from $11.54 at entry level (10th percentile) to $25.55 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 13.0% above the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time medical billing and coding specialists make in Chapel Hill?

A part-time medical billing and coding specialist working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Chapel Hill earns approximately $1,714/month, or $20,572/year at the median hourly rate of $16.48. Many medical billing and coding specialists prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are medical billing and coding specialists in Chapel Hill paid hourly or salary?

The majority of medical billing and coding specialists in Chapel Hill are paid hourly at a median rate of $16.48/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $34,286/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time medical billing and coding specialist make per year in Chapel Hill?

A full-time medical billing and coding specialist working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Chapel Hill earns approximately $34,286/year at the median hourly rate of $16.48. This is 13.0% above the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $53,143/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do medical billing and coding specialists earn more per hour working part-time in Chapel Hill?

Part-time and per diem medical billing and coding specialists in Chapel Hill sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $25.55/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in North Carolina

AP

Written by Amina Patel, CPC

Career Analyst

Amina has 10 years of experience in medical billing. She specializes in outpatient coding for multi-specialty practices.

Clinically reviewed by Liam Johnson, RHITData verified by Sofia Nguyen, CCS

Methodology & Data Source

Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for medical billing and coding specialists in Chapel Hill. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Chapel Hill is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.32%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for medical billing and coding specialists (SOC 29-2072).

Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, CPC, a licensed medical billing and coding specialist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov

Last verified: